Page 25 of Composed at Randy's
What is it about this guy? He somehow calms and stimulates me all at the same time.
Whatever it is, I love it.
There’s a soft tap on the door behind me.
“It’s me, Bael,” Gwen’s voice is barely audible even though I’m standing right there. She’s such a thoughtful doctor.
I opened the door as quietly as possible and squeeze my body through a small crack like I’m trying to keep an animal fromgetting in. I frown when I realize my subconscious is probably trying to keep the world from getting in to hurt Wren.
“Harvey told me what happened,” Gwen says and puts a calming hand on my arm. “It wasn't your fault. From what everyone tells me, you've done an amazing job so far. Please don't beat yourself up over this.”
My eyebrows go up in surprise.
Gwen snorts and says, “What's with the face? I'm not that mean, am I?”
I shake my head quickly so she doesn't yell at me. “No, of course not.”
I know that, deep down, Gwen is a kind person. It's just that she generally shows her kindness through threats and yelling. This might be the first time she's ever been gentle with me.
Admittedly, this is the first time I've needed her to help me with a problem I didn't cause.
At least, I think I didn't cause this one.
“That's what I thought.” Gwen sniffs haughtily.
Yeah, maybe I can stand up to Harvey, but Gwen is a whole different ball of wax.
“He’s asleep right now, so be quiet when you go in, and we should wake him up gently so you don’t scare him.”
“I’ll do my best. No, you don't need to be a part of the examination, Bael.” Gwen puts a restraining hand on my chest when I try to follow her into my room. “Allow me some semblance of professionalism here.”
I swear to you that the sound I make isn’t a whimper, but for some reason, Gwen still pats me on the shoulder like I'm a puppy. She probably would have patted my head if she could reach that high.
I let her close the door in my face, and I wait outside my bedroom for longer than I'm proud of before I remember the talk I'm supposed to be giving everyone. I pause because I'mtorn between making sure I can be there for Wren the second he needs me and tearing a new asshole into everyone who needs it.
I finally decide on getting the asshole tearing out of the way.
Yeah, I didn't like how that sounded either. Let's just move on.
When I get to the common room, everyone is there. Mel, Travis, and Shay are sharing a single couch, all three looking mildly uncomfortable, and I nod in approval because it means they’re following my instructions.
Harvey is in the leather wingback chair. His face says he has everything under control, but his body language makes him seem like he's about to jump to his feet at the next loud noise.
Brent and James are standing behind Harvey, and I can't tell whether they’re trying to make a show of protecting him from me, or if they’re using Harvey as a human shield between me and them.
Eh, either way, everyone here is getting a new asshole.
Okay, I'll stop with the asshole metaphor.
Probably.
No promises.
I spot Allie quivering by the door, and I notice Mel is looking anywhere but at her. Solidarity between sibs is strong in our group, even when we have conflict. This is why I know we're going to make it as a band instead of falling apart due to infighting like a lot of other bands do.
“Why are you still here?” I ask Allie, and I note with grim satisfaction that she tries to melt into the wall behind her.
“I told her to stay until you told her she could go,” Harvey replies.
